Spring Game #8: A's vs. A'z

Greetings A's fans! Yesterday's game was the epitome of boring, but today we are treated to the spring debut of our undisputed #1 starter, Sonny Gray, along with Barry Zito coming in relief for three innings. As far as spring training games go, you really can't ask for a more interesting pitching slate.

The A's take on the Tony La Russa and Dave Stewart-led Arizona Diamondbacks. Don't forget, old friend ex-A's bench coach Chip Hale is now the manager. And guess who's starting for the Dbacks? None other than Trevor Cahill. Nice treat for the A's fans at HoHoKam Stadium.

Regarding the Diamondbacks, here's hoping they can dominate the Giants in the NL West this season, just like they did back in '89.

Aside from Zito watch (please make this happen, Baseball Gods) and possibly Pat Venditte (did you know that we have a switch pitcher? I wonder why the beat writers haven't covered this angle yet) the most interesting spring storyline is the battle in the outfield. At this point Craig Gentry and Sam Fuld are the only two healthy outfielders on the entire 40-man roster with any real major league experience. I imagine Mark Canha and Billy Burns are going to get long looks, and I'm sure the front office is looking at outfielders around the league.

If you were an A's fan in Arizona yesterday, you had the opportunity to catch a rare multi-sport doubleheader. A's spring training baseball during the day and Warriors basketball at night. Josh Reddick did the double duty - did any of you manage the same? No reason to miss out on this one.

In case you missed it, the SF Chronicle ran an interview with Billy Beane today. Nothing earth-shattering but a good read nonetheless.

Anyway, I'm mildly excited about this game. The "yay baseball!" vibe is still resonating. I'm not looking forward to the latter part of next week when we get to "just give me real games already" followed by a couple weeks of really boring spring training games. The annual ritual.

Here are your lineups - Let's Go A'sz!

Arizona
1. Nick Buss (L) CF
2. Aaron Hill (R) 2B
3. Mark Trumbo (R) RF
4. Jake Lamb (L) DH
5. Yasmany Tomas (R) 3B
6. Cody Ross (R) LF
7. Danny Dorn (L) 1B
8. Oscar Hernandez (R) C
9. Danny Worth (R) SS
SP: Trevor Cahill

Oakland
1. Craig Gentry (R) RF
2. Sam Fuld (L) CF
3. Ben Zobrist (S) 2B
4. Billy Butler (R) DH
5. Ike Davis (L) 1B
6. Brett Lawrie (R) 3B
7. Mark Canha (R) LF
8. Josh Phegley (R) C
9. Eric Sogard (L) SS
SP: Sonny Gray